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“Yes. Timing is everything. If it’s too easy, don’t take the bait. The one thing you have going for you is that you’re a woman. Most men will disqualify you as a threat. But I know you. You’re deadly when you have to be.”
I lightly punch him. “You’re making me sound like a gangster.”
“Not at all. You’re smart and can do anything. Look at the target in front of you.” I look at the paper hanging several feet away. “Don’t you see? All your shots are either center mass or headshots.”
“I don’t really want to kill anyone,” I confess.
“It’s not about wanting to kill. You just need to know that, deep down, you have the strength to do what needs to be done. Better you than your enemy.”
I review the monitor again. There has to be something I can do. I check the cameras outside. There aren’t as many men outside as I had first thought.
Viktor’s words come again.
“Timing is everything... The one thing you have going for you is that you’re a woman. Most men will disqualify you as a threat.
All I need to do is gain the upper hand. Oliver is a fighter, so he will have my back when he sees me. He just needs the chance. I enter the kitchen again. This time, I take an M4 with a sling. I haven’t practiced much with one, but all I need is the distraction it’ll bring. The plan isn’t necessarily to kill anyone, more to give Oliver a chance to escape.
I take a grenade and walk over to the desk again. With the M4 across my chest and the nine millimeter behind my back, I am as ready as I’ll ever be.
“What are you going to do?” Brenda asks.
“What I have to. I’m going to trust you with my most prized possessions. Go into the bedroom and don’t come out. No matter what you hear, stay hidden. You’ll be safe in there.”
“Ava…” she starts.
“You’ll be fine. We’re going to be fine. I’ll be back for my kids and you. Trust me.”
“Okay. Please be careful.” Tears roll down her face.
“Thanks.”
I wait until she leaves the room. Once more, I look at the monitor that shows Oliver. Cillian has Oliver near the bar. All I need to do is give Oliver enough time to make a run for it. I have to trust that he will find cover if the opportunity arises.
The camera pointing down the hall shows that there are no guards nearby.
Cillian is either stupid or overly cocky.
“Ava, I’m getting tired of waiting. Maybe you need an incentive.” Cillian kicks Oliver’s back. He falls flat.
It’s now or never.
I scan my palm on the panel. Viktor and Oliver will be pissed, but they’re my family. I won’t let them die because they want me to stay hidden.
The door clicks open, and I climb the stairs quietly. My heart pounds furiously when I stand at the door, waiting and listening for anyone. It’s clear, so I open the door slightly.
Viktor was right. Cillian is banking on me being weak.
He’s about to get a rude awakening.
I’ve never been more grateful to be wearing sneakers. Eros is filled with Cillian’s voice.
I’m close to the wall as possible. When I’m close enough to be seen from the club itself, I pull the pin from the grenade.
I’ve never thrown a grenade, but how hard can it be? All I need is a distraction.
I throw it toward the dance floor. It should take less than five seconds to go off.
The grenade goes off, and everyone starts shouting.
